Messi Faces Chaos Inside Kolkata Stadium: Fans Riot, Event Cut Short -

Messi’s Kolkata Stadium Visit

Kolkata: Thousands of fans eagerly awaited Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi in Kolkata, but security lapses and crowd unrest forced organizers to end the event early, leaving fans disappointed.

Early Morning Frenzy: Fans Miss Messi at the Airport

Fans crowded the airport early Saturday morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of Messi. He exited through a different gate, leaving many disappointed. Some fans rushed to his hotel, but they still couldn’t see him.

Example: One fan said, “I traveled two hours just to see Messi, but I didn’t even get a wave. It was heartbreaking.”

Stadium Event: Short, Chaotic, and Frustrating

Fans paid up to £100 for tickets, expecting Messi to interact with them, tour the stadium, or play briefly. Messi stayed only 20 minutes, mostly surrounded by VIPs and political figures.

Frustration quickly escalated. Some spectators stormed the field and threw objects onto the pitch, forcing organizers to end the planned two-hour event. Authorities cited serious security lapses as the main reason.

Real-Life Example: A local parent said, “We wanted our kids to see Messi play, but it was just chaos. The stadium felt unsafe.”

Government Reaction: Apologies and Inquiry Announced

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized to Messi and football fans, recognizing football’s emotional significance in Kolkata. She announced a formal inquiry and promised steps to prevent similar incidents.

Police arrested one event organizer connected to the chaos. Fans are demanding refunds or another opportunity to see Messi under better-managed conditions.

Key Takeaway

Messi’s Kolkata visit highlights the need for proper crowd management and security planning for high-profile events. Fans’ excitement was genuine, but poor organization caused disappointment.